Connecticut lawmakers have wrapped up a challenging legislative session without finalizing a budget, and that means they're already looking ahead to a special session in order to pass a new two-year agreement. Meanwhile, several other issues were settled Wednesday.
Lockbox
Among those passed were a measure on the so-called “lockbox” to protect transportation funds.
The Senate voted for a resolution that would create an amendment to the state's constitution, guaranteeing that transportation funds are spent only on transportation projects. The proposal previously passed the House of Representatives.
Voters will be asked to approve the amendment during the next statewide election in November 2018.
Governor Dannel Malloy has been pushing for the lockbox as a necessary precursor to a proposed a $100 billion overhaul of the state's transportation infrastructure.
Off-Track Betting
The Senate also gave final legislative approval to a bill that would expand the number of off-track betting facilities across the state.
The measure was crafted to garner votes for another bill, authorizing the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes to build a border casino in East Windsor. That heads now to the governor’s desk.
Solitary Confinement
A bill that limits the use of solitary confinement is also on its way to the governor. It prohibits Connecticut's Department of Correction from holding anyone under age 18 on administrative segregation – and requires the DOC commissioner to study the use of restrictive housing for inmates.
Millstone
Despite the last-minute revival of legislation supporting the state’s sole nuclear plant, lawmakers in the end failed to pass a measure that would have changed the way Millstone sells its power.
The plant’s owner, Dominion, has said again it’s considering the future of the facility in the light of the legislative defeat.
House Republicans urged their chamber to pass the Senate measure, arguing that the loss of the plant would drive electricity costs up in the state, but Democrats said they need to see more financial transparency from Millstone.
Tesla
Tesla will have to wait once again for its chance to sell cars direct to consumers in Connecticut.
The lobbying power of car dealerships in the state succeeded in persuading lawmakers to put a hold on legislation favoring the electric car maker. It’s the third year Tesla has attempted to persuade Connecticut to change its system of vehicle sales.
Ridesharing
Uber and Lyft, the ridesharing services, will now operate under new regulations in Connecticut.
Legislation that passed the General Assembly will require them to pay a nominal registration fee in the state, and also put in place background checks on drivers, vehicle inspections, and tougher insurance rules.
Critics of the bill said it fails to level the playing field for taxi services, which are still subject to more stringent regulation.